Pep Guardiola has expressed cautious optimism regarding Rodri's groin injury, but the Manchester City manager is unwilling to rush the midfielder back into action. Rodri limped off during City's crucial Premier League victory over Arsenal last weekend and subsequently missed the midweek win against Burnley.
Guardiola's Update on Rodri
Speaking ahead of Saturday's FA Cup semi-final against Southampton at Wembley, Guardiola confirmed that Rodri is improving but unlikely to feature. "He's better," Guardiola said. "No, [he is not likely to play] we don't want to take the risk. I don't know [if he will be back for the Everton game] but we don't want to take a risk, because if he's injured, [and] we lose him [for] the next five games. Rodri is so important."
The Spaniard's first half of the season was plagued by injuries, having spent almost all of the previous campaign sidelined after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament. His future at Manchester City has also been uncertain, with speculation linking him to Real Madrid during the March international break.
Guardiola's Future and Wembley Memories
Guardiola's own future remains unclear, with many suggesting this could be his final season at the Etihad Stadium. When asked for clarity, he remained tight-lipped: "No, I'm living day by day, numbers are numbers, how fine we have been is how fine we have been, who we are is who we will be."
City will make a record 23rd appearance at Wembley this weekend, having last visited in March to lift the Carabao Cup. When asked about his favourite Wembley memory, Guardiola cited the 2011 Champions League final with Barcelona, where Lionel Messi and David Villa inspired a 3-1 win over Manchester United. "To win the first Champions League with Barcelona was so important. Really important," he said. "And of course, Champions League against Man United as well."
